Sichuan Airlines is a major Chinese carrier headquartered in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Founded in 1986 and commencing operations in 1988, it has grown into one of China's largest regional airlines, serving an extensive domestic network as well as international routes across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. The airline operates primarily out of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, with additional bases at several other Chinese cities. Its shareholders have included government entities and major Chinese aviation groups, reflecting its strategic importance to the region. Sichuan Airlines gained significant international attention in May 2018 when Flight 3U8633 experienced a windshield blowout at cruising altitude, yet the crew successfully made an emergency landing in Chengdu with no fatalities. Captain Liu Chuanjian was widely praised for his handling of the incident.